System for the compartmentalization of object carrying cabins

ABSTRACT

Provided are compartmentalization panels for attaching to other compartmentalization panels and forming compartmentalization systems for positioning and compartmentalizing object carrying cabins, such as drawers and car trunks. A compartmentalization panel includes a support bar having an insert interlocking element on one end and an end slot interlocking element on the other end for engaging to such ends of other panels and extending the length. A compartmentalization panel also includes multiple side slot interlocking elements attached to two opposite sides of the support bar in between the two ends. The side slot interlocking element of one panel is configured to engage with the insert interlocking element of another panel such that the two panels are supported with respect to each other at the right angle. Spaces in between side slot interlocking elements of one module may receive such elements of another module to extend the length of the panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/025,115, entitled “A SYSTEM FOR THE COMPARTMENTALIZATION OFOBJECT CARRYING CABINS,” filed on Feb. 10, 2011, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for purposes of describing a systemfor the compartmentalization of object carrying cabins.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the compartmentalization ofpanels and systems of interconnected compartmentalization panels for thecompartmentalizing of object carrying cabins having a plurality ofinterlocking panels. More specifically, this invention relates tosystems for separating object-carrying cabins into two or morecompartments of various adjustable sizes. The object-carrying cabins mayinclude, but are not limited to, a vehicle trunk and a drawer organizer.A modular approach used for compartmentalization panels allows users toeasily adjust patterns and sizes of these multiple compartments to bestsuit the user's needs.

BACKGROUND

Cabins used for carrying objects, such as car trunks and drawers, areoften much larger than the carried objects, and the objects may movewithin the cabins during acceleration of the cabins (e.g., acceleratingor stopping a car, opening or closing a drawer). Such movement (forexample, during the sudden acceleration of the cabins) may damage theobjects and/or cabins. While some compartmentalization of cabins may beprovided by positing a holding net or dividers, previous approachesgenerally fall short of providing reconfigurable systems that may beinstalled in various size cabins. A simple example may help toillustrate the overall problem. An unsecured watermelon or a propanetank in a car trunk is likely to move/roll when the car accelerates,stops, and turns. A watermelon may need a substantially smallercompartment than, for example, a propane tank, while a few golf ballsmay need a much smaller compartment than the watermelon. It is generallyinefficient to have predetermined compartments in a cabin becausedifferent types and numbers of objects may be placed into the cabin atdifferent times. At the same time, trunk nets that provide someflexibility are usually still small for many objects (e.g., propanetanks) and, at the same time, too large for other objects (e.g., golfballs).

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used asan aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Provided are compartmentalization panels for attaching to othercompartmentalization panels and forming compartmentalization systems forpositioning and compartmentalizing object carrying cabins, such asdrawers and car trunks. A compartmentalization panel includes a supportbar having an insert interlocking element on one end and an end slotinterlocking element on the other end for engaging to such ends of otherpanels and extending the length. A compartmentalization panel alsoincludes multiple side slot interlocking elements attached to twoopposite sides of the support bar in between the two ends. The side slotinterlocking element of one panel is configured to engage with theinsert interlocking element of another panel such that the two panelsare supported with respect to each other at the right angle. Spaces inbetween side slot interlocking elements of one module may receive suchelements of another module to extend the lengths of the panels.

In certain embodiments, a compartmentalization panel for attaching toone or more other compartmentalization panels and for thecompartmentalizing of object carrying cabins includes a support bar, aninsert interlocking element, and multiple slot interlocking elements,with each configured for receiving and interlocking with an insertinterlocking element of another compartmentalization panel. The supportbar includes a first end, a second end opposite of first end, a firstside, and a second side opposite of the first side. The first side andthe second side extend between the first end and a second end. Theinsert interlocking element is attached to the first end of the supportbar. The multiple slot interlocking elements include an end slotinterlocking element attached to the second end of the support bar, oneor more first side slot interlocking elements attached to the first sideof the support bar, and one or more second side slot interlockingelements attached to the second side of the support bar.

In certain embodiments, one or more first side slot interlockingelements includes two first side slot interlocking elements such thatspacing between the two first side slot interlocking elements forms aslot for receiving a slot interlocking element of anothercompartmentalization panel. In the same or other embodiments, one ormore first side slot interlocking elements include eight first side slotinterlocking elements, while one or more second side slot interlockingelements also includes eight side slot interlocking elements. The one ormore first side slot interlocking elements are aligned with the one ormore second side slot interlocking elements along the length of thesupport bar extending between the first end and the second end. In otherembodiments, the two sets of side slot interlocking elements may beoffset with respect to each other.

In certain embodiments, each of the multiple slot interlocking elementshas a rectangular tubular cross-sectional profile. The profile has apartial opening facing away from the support bar and extending betweentwo supporting lips of the slot interlocking elements. In theseembodiments, an insert interlocking element may also have a rectangularcross-sectional profile for protruding into the rectangular tubularcross-sectional profile of the multiple slot interlocking elements. Therectangular cross-sectional profile of the insert interlocking elementmay have a tight fit with respect to the rectangular tubularcross-sectional profile of the multiple slot interlocking elements. Therectangular cross-sectional profile of the insert interlocking elementis supported by a neck portion. Specifically, the two supporting lips ofthe rectangular tubular cross-sectional profile of the multiple slotinterlocking elements extend into the neck portion of the insertinterlocking element. In other embodiments, each of the multiple slotinterlocking elements has a round tubular cross-sectional profileallowing the insert interlocking element of another compartmentalizationpanel to engage with one of the multiple slot interlocking elements at arange of angles.

In certain embodiments, multiple slot interlocking elements extendperpendicularly with respect to the support bar such that the centers ofthe multiple slot interlocking elements are offset with respect to thesupport bar. The centers of the multiple slot interlocking elementsalong their lengths may be aligned with respect to a third side of thesupport bar, which is perpendicular to the first and second sides andextending between the first and second ends. Multiple slot interlockingelements may extend perpendicularly with respect to the support bar andbe slidably attached to the support bar.

Also provided are compartmentalization systems for thecompartmentalizing of object carrying cabins. In certain embodiments, acompartmentalization system includes a first compartmentalization paneland a second compartmentalization panel. The first panel includes afirst support bar having a first insert interlocking element attached toone end of the first support bar and a first end slot interlockingelement attached to another end of the first support bar. The secondpanel includes a second support bar having second side slot interlockingelements attached to two opposite sides of the second bar. The firstinsert interlocking element is inserted into one of the second side slotinterlocking elements to provide support to the firstcompartmentalization panel with respect to the secondcompartmentalization panel such that the first support bar issubstantially perpendicular to the second support bar.

The compartmentalization system may include a third compartmentalizationpanel including a third support bar having a third end slot interlockingelement engaged with the first insert interlocking element of the firstcompartmentalization panel to provide support to the firstcompartmentalization panel with respect to the thirdcompartmentalization panel such that the first compartmentalizationpanel extends in line with the third compartmentalization panel. In thesame or other embodiments, the compartmentalization system includes athird compartmentalization panel including a third support bar having athird side slot interlocking element extending in between the secondside slot interlocking elements of the second compartmentalization panelto provide support to the second compartmentalization panel with respectto the third compartmentalization panel such that the firstcompartmentalization panel extends in line with the thirdcompartmentalization panel. The second slot interlocking elements mayextend substantially perpendicular with respect to the second supportbar of the second compartmentalization panel, while the third slotinterlocking elements may extend substantially perpendicular withrespect to the third support bar of the third compartmentalizationpanel. The centers of the second slot interlocking elements may beoffset in one direction with respect to the second support bar of thesecond compartmentalization panel, while the centers of the third slotinterlocking elements may be offset in the opposite direction withrespect to the third support bar of the third compartmentalizationpanel.

The characteristics and utilities of the sample representation describedin this summary and the detailed description below are not exclusive.Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one ofordinary skill when provided with the following drawings, specificationsand claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by thefigures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a compartmentalization panelfor the compartmentalizing of object carrying cabins, in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the compartmentalization panelillustrated in FIG. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is an expanded view of an insert interlocking element of thecompartmentalization panel illustrated in FIG. 1A, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is an expanded view of an end slot interlocking element of thecompartmentalization panel illustrated in FIG. 1A, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of two compartmentalization panelsengaged with each other along their lengths to form a combined extendedpanel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is an expanded view of the engagement area of the twocompartmentalization panels illustrated in FIG. 3A, in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a schematic top view of two compartmentalization panelsengaged with each other at a right angle, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4B is an expanded view of the engagement area of the twocompartmentalization panels illustrated in FIG. 4A, in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of two compartmentalizationpanels prior to engagement with each other, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the two compartmentalizationpanels illustrated in FIG. 5A after engagement with each other, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a compartmentalization systemincluding eight compartmentalization panels engaged with each other atvarious positions and angles, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described. In the following description, forpurposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments. Itwill be evident, however, to one skilled in the art, that the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details.

In some exemplary embodiments, a compartmentalization system allows forcompartmentalizing cabins, such as vehicle trunks, and also providesstructure to the vehicle trunks and minimizes the shifting of items inthe trunks during travel. The system is adjustable so that the number ofcompartments and the compartment sizes can be selected by the user. Thesystem can include one or more compartmentalization panels. Each panelincludes various slots on both sides and may have one or two lockingmechanisms on one or more ends of the panel. The locking piece of onepanel can be inserted into the slot of an intersecting panel. Lockingpieces can either form parallel connections or perpendicularconnections. A compartmentalization panel includes a support bar havingan insert interlocking element on one end and an end slot interlockingelement on the other end for engaging to such ends of other panels andextending the length. A compartmentalization panel also includesmultiple side slot interlocking elements attached to two opposite sidesof the support bar in between the two ends. The side slot interlockingelement of one panel is configured to engage with the insertinterlocking element of another panel such that the two panels aresupported with respect to each other at the right angle. Spaces inbetween the side slot interlocking elements of one module may receivesuch elements of another module to extend the panels' lengths. Theaddition of more panels allows for more compartmentalization.Additionally, having more slots on both sides of the panels may allowthe user more flexibility in determining the number and size of thecompartments. Each panel may add to the structure of the organizer andcontribute to the added compartmentalization of the trunk. Furthermore,the system may be fully adjustable in length, width, and the number ofcompartments.

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a compartmentalization panel100 for the compartmentalizing of object carrying cabins, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. Compartmentalization panel 100 includes asupport bar 102 having a first end 103 a and a second end 103 b oppositeof first end 103 a in the direction of the length ofcompartmentalization panel 100 (the Y direction). Support bar 102 alsoincludes two sides that may be parallel to the plane set by the Z and Ydirections. The first side is visible in FIG. 1A, while the second sideis the opposite of the first side. The first side and second side extendbetween two ends 103 a and 103 b. Compartmentalization panel 100 alsoincludes an insert interlocking element 104 attached to first end 103 aof support bar 102. Interlocking element 104 is configured to engagewith a slot interlocking element of another module and is furtherdescribed below with reference to FIG. 2A. Compartmentalization panel100 also includes multiple slot interlocking elements, each configuredfor engaging (e.g., receiving and/or interlocking) with an insertinterlocking element of another compartmentalization panel. One kind ofslot interlocking element is an end slot interlocking element 108attached to second end 103 b of support bar 102. Another kind of slotinterlocking elements is a side slot interlocking element 106.Compartmentalization panel 100 may include two sets of side slotinterlocking elements 106 positioned on opposite sides of support bar102. Specifically, compartmentalization panel 100 may include one ormore first side slot interlocking elements attached to the first side ofthe support bar and one or more second side slot interlocking elementsattached to the second side of the support bar. In certain embodiments,each side has eight side slot interlocking elements. However, othernumbers of elements may be used depending on the length ofcompartmentalization panel 100 and the individual sizes of each sideslot interlocking element.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, side interlocking elements on one side ofsupport bar 102 may be aligned with similar side slot interlockingelements on the other side along the length of support bar 102. In otherembodiments, side slot interlocking elements on one side are offset withsimilar side slot interlocking elements on the other side along thelength of support bar 102. For example, side slot interlocking elementson one side may be positioned in between similar side slot interlockingelements on the other side when projected on the same plane.

FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of compartmentalization panelillustrated in FIG. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Asshown, side slot interlocking elements 106 may extend substantiallyperpendicular to support bar 102. In order to accommodate slidableengagement with side slot interlocking elements 106 of anothercompartmentalization panel (as further described with reference to FIGS.5A and 5B), the centers of side slot interlocking elements 106 (alongthe lengths of the side slot interlocking elements, i.e., the Zdirection) are offset with respect to a center axis 107 of support bar102. As shown in FIG. 1B, the offset results in longer extensions ofside slot interlocking elements 106 on one side of support bar 102(represented by distance D1) than on the other side of support bar 102(represented by distance D2). In certain embodiments, the offset is suchthat a combination of the smaller offset D2 and a height of support bar102 (presented by H) is substantially the same as the larger offset D1.Another way of describing this relationship is that the centers of sideslot interlocking elements 106 are aligned with respect to a third side109 of support bar 102. In certain embodiments, side slot interlockingelements are slidably attached to support bar 102, such that theseoffsets may vary as needed.

FIG. 2A is an expanded view of an insert interlocking element 104 of thecompartmentalization panel illustrated in FIG. 1A, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. As shown, interlocking element 104 is attached toone end of support bar 102. Interlocking element 104 may have arectangular cross-sectional profile 202 supported by a neck portion 204.Rectangular cross-sectional profile 202 is used for engaging withsimilar profiles of slot interlocking elements of other panels,including end slot interlocking elements and side slot interlockingelements. Rectangular cross-sectional profile 202 allows for maintaininga predetermined angle between these interlocking elements. However,other profiles may be used. For example, a round profile may be used forallowing one panel to swivel with respect to another panel whilemaintaining support. Such semi-flexible attachments may help tointroduce additional configurability into the overall system.

FIG. 2B is an expanded view of end slot interlocking element 108 of thecompartmentalization panel illustrated in FIG. 1A, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. As shown, end slot interlocking element 108 isattached to another end of support bar 102. End slot interlockingelement 108, as well as side slot interlocking elements, may have arectangular tubular cross-sectional profile 212. Generally, the profileof the insert interlocking element drives the profiles of slotinterlocking elements and vice versa. Rectangular tubularcross-sectional profile 212 has a partial opening 216 facing away fromsupport bar 102 and extending between two supporting lips 214.Supporting lips 214 may be configured to extend into the neck portion ofthe insert interlocking element (element 204 in FIG. 2A). In certainembodiments, the rectangular cross-sectional profile of the insertinterlocking element has a tight fit with respect to the rectangulartubular cross-sectional profile of the multiple slot interlockingelements.

FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of two compartmentalization panels 302 aand 302 b engaged with each other along their lengths to form a combinedextended panel 300, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Sincecompartmentalization panels 302 a and 302 b are engaged at their endslot interlocking element and insert interlocking element, combinedextended panel 300 is about twice as long as each of the of twocompartmentalization panels 302 a and 302 b. FIG. 3B is an expanded viewof the engagement area of the two compartmentalization panels 302 a and302 b illustrated in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment. Specifically, insert interlocking element 304 a of panel 302a is inserted into end slot interlocking element 304 b of panel 302 b.One having ordinary skills in the art would understand that thisarrangement may be continued such that an insert interlocking element ofpanel 302 b and/or end slot interlocking element of panel 302 a may beengaged with other modules.

FIG. 4A is a schematic top view of two compartmentalization panels 402 aand 402 b engaged with each other at a right angle and forming a cornerunit 400, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.Compartmentalization panel 402 a extends in the X direction, whilecompartmentalization panels 402 b extends into the Y direction. FIG. 4Bis an expanded view of the engagement area of the twocompartmentalization panels 402 a and 402 b illustrated in FIG. 4A, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, insertinterlocking element 404 b of panel 402 b is inserted into a side slotinterlocking element 404 a of panel 402 a. One having ordinary skills inthe art would understand that other arrangements are possible as furthershown and described in the context of FIG. 6. For example, additionalinsert interlocking elements of other panels may be inserted into otherside slot interlocking elements of panel 402 b, which are provided onthe same or different sides of the support bar of this module.

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of two compartmentalizationpanels 500 a and 500 b prior to engagement with each other, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. Adjacent side slot interlockingelements of the modules are spaced to form slots for receiving side slotinterlocking elements of another compartmentalization panel. FIG. 5B isa schematic perspective view of the two compartmentalization panels 500a and 500 b illustrated in FIG. 5A after engagement with each other, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment as in 520. Specifically, a slotprovided between side slot interlocking elements 504 b and 506 b ofcompartmentalization panel 500 b is used for receiving side slotinterlocking element 508 a of compartmentalization panel 500 a.Likewise, a slot provided between side slot interlocking elements 508 band 506 b of compartmentalization panel 500 b is used for receiving sideslot interlocking element 506 a of compartmentalization panel 500 a. Ina similar manner, the adjacent side slot interlocking elements ofcompartmentalization panel 500 a form slots for receiving side slotinterlocking elements 508 b and 506 b of compartmentalization panel 500b. Furthermore, support bars 502 a and 502 b are offset with respect toeach other in the Z direction to prevent interference between these barswhen compartmentalization panels 500 a and 500 b are engaged as shown inFIG. 5B.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a compartmentalization system 600including eight compartmentalization panels 602-616 engaged with eachother at various positions and angles, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment. For example, compartmentalization panel 602 is engaged at aright angle with compartmentalization panels 612 and 604, which in turnare engaged at the right angle with compartmentalization panel 610.Therefore, compartmentalization panels 602, 612, 604, and 610 form onecompartment of compartmentalization system 600. Another compartment isformed by compartmentalization panels 604, 606, 608, 614, 616, and 610.Various engagements among compartmentalization panels 602-616 aredescribed above with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B.

1. A compartmentalization panel for attaching to one or more othercompartmentalization panels and for compartmentalizing of objectcarrying cabins, the compartmentalization panel comprising: a supportbar comprising a first end, a second end opposite of the first end, afirst side, and a second side opposite of the first side, wherein thefirst side and the second side extend between the first end and thesecond end; an insert interlocking element attached to the first end ofthe support bar; and multiple slot interlocking elements each configuredfor receiving and interlocking with an insert interlocking element ofanother compartmentalization panel, the multiple slot interlockingelements comprising: an end slot interlocking element attached to thesecond end of the support bar; one or more first side slot interlockingelements attached to the first side of the support bar; and one or moresecond side slot interlocking elements attached to the second side ofthe support bar.
 2. The compartmentalization panel of claim 1, whereinthe one or more first side slot interlocking elements comprise two firstside slot interlocking elements such that spacing between the two firstside slot interlocking elements form a slot for receiving a slotinterlocking element of another compartmentalization panel.
 3. Thecompartmentalization panel of claim 1, wherein the one or more firstside slot interlocking elements comprise eight first side slotinterlocking elements and wherein the one or more second side slotinterlocking elements comprise eight side slot interlocking elements. 4.The compartmentalization panel of claim 1, wherein the one or more firstside slot interlocking elements are aligned with the one or more secondside slot interlocking elements along the length of the support barextending between the first end and the second end.
 5. Thecompartmentalization panel of claim 1, wherein the one or more firstside slot interlocking elements are offset with the one or more secondside slot interlocking elements along the length of the support barextending between the first end and the second end.
 6. Thecompartmentalization panel of claim 1, wherein each of the multiple slotinterlocking elements has a rectangular tubular cross-sectional profile.7. The compartmentalization panel of claim 6, wherein the rectangulartubular cross-sectional profile has a partial opening facing away fromthe support bar and extending between two supporting lips.
 8. Thecompartmentalization panel of claim 7, wherein the insert interlockingelement has a rectangular cross-sectional profile for protruding intothe rectangular tubular cross-sectional profile of the multiple slotinterlocking elements.
 9. The compartmentalization panel of claim 8,wherein the rectangular cross-sectional profile of the insertinterlocking element has a tight fit with respect to the rectangulartubular cross-sectional profile of the multiple slot interlockingelements.
 10. The compartmentalization panel of claim 8, wherein therectangular cross-sectional profile of the insert interlocking elementis supported by a neck portion; and wherein the two supporting lips ofthe rectangular tubular cross-sectional profile of the multiple slotinterlocking elements extend into the neck portion of the insertinterlocking element.
 11. The compartmentalization panel of claim 1,wherein each of the multiple slot interlocking elements has a roundtubular cross-sectional profile allowing the insert interlocking elementof another compartmentalization panel to engage with one of the multipleslot interlocking elements at a range of angles.
 12. Thecompartmentalization panel of claim 1, wherein the multiple slotinterlocking elements extend substantially perpendicular with respect tothe support bar.
 13. The compartmentalization panel of claim 12, whereincenters of the multiple slot interlocking elements along the lengths ofthe multiple slot interlocking elements are offset with respect to acenter axis of the support bar.
 14. The compartmentalization panel ofclaim 13, wherein the support bar comprises a third side perpendicularto the first side and the second side; and wherein the centers of themultiple slot interlocking elements are aligned with respect to thethird side of the support bar.
 15. The compartmentalization panel ofclaim 1, wherein the multiple slot interlocking elements extendperpendicularly with respect to the support bar and are slidablyattached to the support bar.
 16. A compartmentalization system forcompartmentalizing of object carrying cabins, the compartmentalizationsystem comprising: a first compartmentalization panel comprising a firstsupport bar having a first insert interlocking element attached to oneend of the first support bar and a first end slot interlocking elementattached another end of the first support bar; and a secondcompartmentalization panel comprising a second support bar having secondside slot interlocking elements attached to two opposite sides of thesecond bar, wherein the first insert interlocking element is insertedinto one of the second side slot interlocking elements to providesupport to the first compartmentalization panel with respect to thesecond compartmentalization panel such that the first support bar issubstantially perpendicular to the second support bar.
 17. Thecompartmentalization system of claim 16, further comprising a thirdcompartmentalization panel comprising a third support bar having a thirdinsert interlocking element engaged with the first end slot interlockingelement of the first compartmentalization panel to provide support tothe first compartmentalization panel with respect to the thirdcompartmentalization panel such that the first compartmentalizationpanel extends in line with the third compartmentalization panel.
 18. Thecompartmentalization system of claim 16, wherein the second slotinterlocking elements extend substantially perpendicular with respect tothe second support bar of the second compartmentalization panel; andwherein the third slot interlocking elements extend substantiallyperpendicular with respect to the third support bar of the thirdcompartmentalization panel.
 19. The compartmentalization system of claim16, wherein centers of the first slot interlocking elements are offsetin one direction with respect to the first support bar of the firstcompartmentalization panel, while centers of the third slot interlockingelements are offset in the opposite direction with respect to the thirdsupport bar of the third compartmentalization panel as to allow slideslot interlocking elements of one panel to slide between side slotinterlocking elements of another panel and to extend length of thecompartmentalization system along the same direction as the support barof the first panel.